February 24, 2023 by Hirah Ehsan
Are you tired of dead branches hanging around your weeping cherry tree? I know you are looking for a solution. Why don’t you prune your weeping cherry trees?
Backyard growers often ignore pruning. All you need for pruning is proper knowledge. For healthy weeping cherry tree pruning, you need to follow 3Ds. What’s that? You have to read the full article for that.
Before that, Let me tell you that arborists highly recommend pruning. It doesn’t only increase the tree’s productivity but also improves its quality. Appropriate pruning opens up the tree canopy to light. It is critical for weeping cherry development and growth.
Being an Arborist, I have collected some interesting information on pruning a weeping cherry tree that can help you. If you don’t wanna miss a chance of exploring more, then keep reading the article.
Contents
How to prune a weeping cherry tree?
Before knowing the technique, you should know the best time for pruning. Arborists suggest that late winter or early spring is the best time for pruning. It is the time when buds are poised to break.
According to Aggie horticulture, spring is the ideal time for pruning. It boosts up the process of healing. However, in winter, it takes time to heal.
So let’s get down to business now. First of all, observe the tree closely. Imagine for a moment what you want. Then, remove all the 3Ds. What’s that? It means that you have to eliminate all the dead, diseased, and damaged wood.
Moreover, don’t forget about cross branches. They often rub against each other. It increases the chances of spreading diseases. I would suggest you cut the weaker one. Also, eliminate the upright growing shoots with sharp branches.
In addition to that, trim back unbranched by 25% to encourage side branches.
Next, select permanent scaffold branches. Choose scaffold branches that spiral around the tree’s trunk. And yes, how can you forget clipping off branches, as well as limbs?
Nevertheless, don’t touch the branches that grow from the center of the canopy outward. Prune low-growing branches as they touch the ground.
Plus, make cuts flush with the adjacent branch without leaving stubs. It lets water runs off the cut surface. You can apply ‘cherry wound compounds’ for aesthetics, but it doesn’t promote healing.
And another thing, you can sparingly prune a weeping cherry tree in summer. However, it should not be heavy pruning. Do pruning only to eliminate upright branches.
A weeping cherry tree stores its energy in the branches and leaves during summer. In this way, pruning in summer reduces trees’ energy supplies. It also minimizes the potential for winter injury.
How Often Do I need to Prune a Weeping Cherry?
If you ask me the right time, the right time is when the tree is dormant. It’s easy to tell when the tree is dormant. It often happens in late fall.
Moreover, I would suggest you prune your weeping cherry tree once a year. It helps in maintaining its shape, triggers new growth, and promotes good health.
It’s not hard and fast to prune your trees once a year. You can prune the outer branches of the trees when they need it.
Light trimming of these branches is enough to maintain the weeping look of the tree. However, you don’t need to struggle with inner branches. The inner branches are only pruned annually when the tree is dormant.
Don’ts of Pruning a weeping cherry tree
You don’t want to ruin the shape of your tree, right? To avoid any incident, you should learn the don’ts of the process.
I would suggest you not cut upright growing branches on a natural weeping cherry. What is the reason? The reason is that these branches will eventually bend down. They will weep.
Guess what? People often cut the main branch of the tree while pruning. I request you be mindful of any main branches that are connected to the trunk. They form the structure of the tree. Their removal can ruin its weeping quality.
Plus, don’t let upright branches on grafted trees grow. They are vulnerable and can be easily damaged by the wind.
I don’t understand how people can be so cruel to trees. Why don’t you use sharp tools? I emphasize using the right tools to cut thick branches. Otherwise, it creates small cuts that open the door to infections.
Final Thoughts
In nutshell, pruning a weeping cherry tree is beneficial for it. The weeping cherry grows at a fast rate. Annual pruning at the correct time with perfect tools can do magic to the weeping cherry tree.
A bit of knowledge and practice is required to make the healthiest tree. It will help you avoid common pruning errors that could cause irreparable damage.
People Also Ask
Can you keep a weeping cherry tree small?
The small weeping cherry trees you see are probably still young; once they grow tall. Regular trimming and cutting are required to limit the tree’s size.
If you want to remove a tree from the scene, then you have to remove I from the ground. The best way, I can suggest is to dig a trench around the tree. It is easy for you to pull out the branches. You can cut them off at the base.
What is the life of the weeping cherry trees?
It depends on how you take care of it. Generally, its lifespan is between 30 to 40 years. The best way to increase their lifespans is to keep them away from the sun and keep the soil moist.
Hirah Ehsan is a young scholar of English Literature. She has a passion for research and
writing. She has been writing since 2019. Back in 2019, she owned her blog as well. She talked
to young people through her writings and vocals. She loves reading, volunteering, public
speaking and mentoring. She aims to grow in this field, and is enthusiastic to learn and
undertake new challenges. You can find more information on our about us page